King Solomon in the Stained Glass of Advance Masonic Temple
To the left of the Advance Masonic Temple, a stained-glass window depicts King Solomon under a daytime sun, turning light into a lasting message of wisdom and clarity.
The Stained Glass Windows of Advance Masonic Temple
The stained glass windows at the front of Advance Masonic Temple present two important figures in Masonic tradition: King Solomon on the left and Hiram Abiff on the right. This introductory article looks at the windows as a pair and links to fuller descriptions of each individual window.
The Skull Above the Door
Above the entrance of Astoria’s Advance Masonic Temple is an ancient symbol with deep architectural meaning: the bucranium, or ox skull. Far from a macabre flourish, it is a classical emblem of sacrifice, consecration, ritual, and permanence.